Middlesbrough 5-1 Luton Town: Boro win increases pressure on Edwards

Both bosses rejigged their sides following midweek wins, with the injured Alfie Doughty among five that started in Luton’s triumph against Cardiff who were swapped out, while Michael Carrick recalled Dutchman Burgzorg as he made four changes.

And the striker made an immediate impression on his return as he scored the opener, coolly finishing a clever set-piece routine from12 yards after Ben Doak directed a low Azaz corner into his path with a neat near-post flick.

Boro captain Luke Ayling had sent an earlier effort wastefully over, but the opener came against the run of play after Cauley Woodrow tested goalkeeper Seny Dieng and Liam Walsh pulled an effort just wide in quick succession at the other end.

The hosts went on to dominate what remained of the first half following Burgzorg’s goal, and Latte Lath added a deserved second in fine style as he controlled a scooped pass from Azaz before twisting in the box to find the bottom corner with an excellent finish.

It was the Ivory Coast international’s second goal in five days, having come off the bench to score in Boro’s comprehensive win against QPR.

Azaz combined with on-loan Liverpool winger Doak to add to Boro’s lead and, moments after Dieng made an excellent low save to again deny Woodrow, Burgzorg rolled home another into an empty net after Latte Lath drew Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski off his line.

Clark’s goal with 13 minutes remaining was merely a consolation and Azaz capped an outstanding performance with a wonderful finish from the edge of the area to put Boro sixth, pending results in the later games.